Statue of Sir Peter Fairbairn

The Statue of Sir Peter Fairbairn, erected in 1868, is a notable monument located in Woodhouse Square, Leeds. Designed by sculptor M Noble, the statue features a tall granite pedestal with a cornice and plinth, built on a square base. The pedestal bears an inscription that reads: "SIR PETER FAIRBAIRN, KNT/ MAYOR OF LEEDS/ IN/ 1857 AND 1858/ THIS STATUE WAS ERECTED BY/ THE VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTIONS/ OF HIS FELLOW TOWNSMEN." On the left side of the statue's base, it is marked with "M.NOBLE SCULP/ LONDON 1868." The bronze statue itself depicts a life-size figure of Fairbairn standing, holding a scroll in his right hand while his left hand rests on a plinth adorned with a cog wheel and drapery featuring a chain of office.

Historically, Peter Fairbairn moved to Leeds from Kelso and established his engineering business at the Wellington Foundry in 1826. He collaborated closely with John Marshall at his flax mills and, along with Matthew Murray and James Kitson, became one of Leeds' prominent engineering figures. Fairbairn served as a churchwarden in the 1830s and was a councillor from 1836 to 1842. His achievements culminated in a knighthood from Queen Victoria during the opening of the new Town Hall in 1858. He resided at Fairbairn House on Clarendon Road.